Shared Responsibilities
In many cases, the same individual or organisation may be both:
The Responsible Person for fire safety under the Fire Safety Order.
The Accountable Person for fire and structural safety under the Building Safety Act.
This is especially true for building owners, landlords, or managing agents who:
Control or maintain common parts of a building.
Have legal obligations for repair and maintenance.
Key Differences in Legislation
Responsible Person
Defined under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Covers fire safety in all non-domestic premises and shared areas of residential buildings.
Accountable Person
Defined under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Covers fire and structural safety in higher-risk residential buildings (HRBs).
While the Responsible Person focuses solely on fire safety, the Accountable Person has a broader remit that includes structural integrity and resident engagement.
Why Training Is Essential Across the Organisation
Given the overlap in duties and the complexity of compliance, training is vital to ensure clarity and coordination.
Benefits of Integrated Training
Avoids duplication of effort and conflicting responsibilities.
Ensures legal compliance across both regimes.
Promotes a shared safety culture across departments.
Helps staff understand who is responsible for what, especially in multi-occupancy or multi-owner buildings.
Recommended Training Focus
Role-specific modules for Responsible and Accountable Persons.
Scenario-based learning to explore real-world applications.
Cross-functional workshops to align fire and structural safety teams.
Updates on legislation and regulator expectations.
Final Thought
Rather than viewing the Responsible and Accountable Person roles as separate silos, organisations should treat them as complementary functions within a unified safety strategy. Training plays a key role in bridging any gaps and ensuring that everyone — from building managers to frontline staff — understands their part in keeping buildings safe.
